Canada’s New Government reaffirms its commitment to Aboriginal Peoples: Menzies Supports Conservative Approach

June 20, 2006

OTTAWA – Ted Menzies, Member of Parliament for Macleod and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Cooperation, reaffirms the Governments Commitment to Aboriginal Peoples.

“The Government is committed to meeting the targets agreed upon at the fall 2005 First Ministers’ meeting with national Aboriginal leaders,” said Menzies. “We will work with Aboriginal leaders and provinces and territories to develop a new approach with workable solutions to meet the established targets, and to reduce Aboriginal poverty throughout Canada. Strong accountability and governance structures will also be essential to ensure concrete improvements in outcomes and to ensure programs are effective.”

The government is committed to education, women, children and families, water and housing on reserves, residential schools, off-reserve Aboriginal housing as well as affordable housing in the Territories.

This commitment was demonstrated in budget 2006:

A new approach: Priorities $450 million

• education
• women, education and families
• water and housing
  

Addressing the legacy of residential schools $2,200 million

Off-reserve Aboriginal housing $300 million

Affordable housing in the territories $300 million

Total $3,250 million

“This government is committed to Aboriginal Canadians,” said Menzies. “It is my hope that our approach will be effective in aiding my Aboriginal constituents who have been patiently waiting for the governmental assistance that is long overdue for them.”

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For further information, please contact:

The office of Ted Menzies at (613) 995-8471